Lightening near a rig

[Btuvi]

If hooked to an offshore rig when a thunderstorm is approaching would I be wiser to leave rig and try and maneuver around the storm or tuck in to the protection of the rig. Does the rig offer protection?

Thanks

 

[5150abf]

Re: Lightening near a rig

Lightning hits the tallest thing in the area so you would be tying your boat to a giant lighning rod.

Seems like anywhere else would be better.

Best not to tempt mother nature, if you see a storm coming it is time to go home.

 

[Btuvi]

Re: Lightening near a rig

Thanks for reply. I asked because it occured to me that, because the rig was the highest thing and probably set up to deal with lightening, that it would draw lightening away from boat. But that is not the case in your opinion?

 

[5150abf]

Re: Lightening near a rig

I'm from Indiana so I don't know how big one of these rigs are, just saying I wouldn't tie to it because then you are connected to it and anything that goes through the rig goes through you too, may just hang out under it.

I'm not Mr.Science either just my opinion.

Can you do that, just drive under an oil rig?

Seems like after 9/11 they would watch that pretty close.

 

[Btuvi]

Re: Lightening near a rig

There are others who could tell you better than I but a favorite fishing place for many different types of fish is an oil rig. There is even a product called a rig hook which one can throw over a beam to attach to rig. There is a release mechanism that allows you to detach without having to go close to untie line - which can be difficult and dangerous in rough water.

 

[oops!]

Re: Lightening near a rig

hey bud.....if you are near a rig....your in the ocean...if a thunderstorm comes up.....you didnt check the forcast before you left......

thunder storms can produce huge swells....they can sink a 20 footer faster than you can get your pfd on !.....

check the forcast before you boat......

if you see one coming.....wot it to the shore.

on the water.......there is no mercy for the unprepaired.

 

[Btuvi]

Re: Lightening near a rig

Good advice. Thanks.